BREWSTER, NY — Hurricane Harvey, like others before it, shows how challenging—and yet important—it is to plan for emergencies. This September, National Preparedness Month focuses on planning. The overarching theme is “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” In Putnam County, the 14th annual observance is being promoted by the Putnam County Community Resilience Coalition (CRC), composed of agencies from the public, private and non-profit sectors that work year-round to build a strong foundation to ensure the safety and well-being of children before, during and after disasters.

“The safety of Putnam residents is always our county’s top priority,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “Collaboration among many organizations makes this happen—emergency responders and our Bureau of Emergency Services, law enforcement, highway department workers, social services and the health department. When it comes to our children, the most vulnerable members of our community, we do everything we can to ensure their safety and protection. Building community resilience is crucial.”

To teach young children about emergency preparedness—in a fun, non-threatening way—the CRC has spearheaded efforts to bring the “Prep Rally” to after-school programs and daycare centers throughout the county. Created by Save the Children, the free program is designed to teach children, grades pre-K to 5, the basics of emergency preparedness through fun, engaging games and activities. By practicing a catchy song and dance called the “Prep Step,” children learn how to recognize risks, plan ahead and gather emergency supplies.

“Supporting the work of the CRC helps strengthen our infrastructure and our resilience,” says interim Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD. “The first step is to plan for yourself and your family. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Create a list of emergency contacts and share them among family members and close friends. Adding to, or updating your emergency supplies at home, is another easy step. These are simple things nearly everyone can do.”

Taking these initial steps is much easier with some online help at www.ready.gov and www.savethechildren.org/getready, which has all of the resources for the Prep Rally program, including tip sheets for parents. A super simple tool for families to write an emergency plan is the “Preparedness Wizard” from The National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. Find it at http://bit.ly/prepwizv2.

“Getting accurate information during an event is also important,” says Anthony Sutton, Commissioner of the Bureau of Emergency Services (BES), “You can sign up for free local and state emergency messages from NY Alert.” Real-time information about current threats can be sent to a cell phone. You pick the alerts you want and delivery by email or text. You can cancel or change at any time. Your personal information is completely protected and never shared. Sign up at www.nyalert.gov.

“Residents who want, and are in the position to do more, should consider joining the Medical Reserve Corps,” says Dr. Nesheiwat. “We still need all types of volunteers, both non-medical and medical. Help is always needed in particular with logistical support or administrative tasks.” Interested residents can find out more information by visiting the Putnam County website or calling the health department at 845-808-1390.

This training course will provide an introduction to
responding to a natural or man-made disaster.
Each participant will receive a certificate, a Z-card and
learn how to make an emergency preparedness kit.

This is a free event, open to the public. Registration is required.
Putnam County Composite Squadron
This event is hosted by Civil Air Patrol.

Brewster, NY- August is National Immunization Awareness Month and back-to-school season is fast approaching! Along with gathering school supplies, parents should also ask… “Are my child’s shots up to date?”

Vaccines are important for children of all ages – from toddlers to students leaving for college. In addition to the recommended shots for more than a dozen serious childhood illnesses, flu season is fast approaching and an annual flu shot is advised.

“Residents can have their children receive free flu shots at school. This Health Department initiative saves countless sick days and potentially devastating illness,” reminds County Executive MaryEllen Odell.

“Vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to prevent serious diseases, and that includes the flu,” says Michael Nesheiwat, M.D., Interim Commissioner of Health. “When children are not vaccinated, they are at greater risk for illness, and can spread disease to others in their families, schools and the community.”

Childhood vaccinations required for school entry protect against potentially life-threatening diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough) and chicken pox. Children in day care, pre-K, or kindergarten through 12th grade, who do not meet the immunization requirements will not be permitted to attend school. The complete list of New York State- required school immunizations, as well as Putnam’s school and public flu vaccination clinic schedules are available online at www.putnamcountyny.gov/health or by calling the Putnam County Department of Health’s Immunization Program at (845) 808-1332.

Teens and college-bound students have other health concerns, including meningitis and cervical cancer for which vaccines offer protection. Parents and caregivers should check with their pediatrician about any vaccines their children need and make an appointment as soon as possible. Children up to 19 years of age can receive the required vaccinations free of charge at the Health Department’s clinics if they meet eligibility requirements. Vaccinations are also available to others for a fee. Call (845) 808-1332 for dates, times and location of clinics.

The Department of Health’s mission is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community, composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit the PCDOH website at www.putnamcountyny.com/health or visit our social media sites on Facebook at www.facebook.com/putnamhealth, and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.

http://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/childrensexposignage.png200600Brian K. Austinhttp://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/logobwlgspring.pngBrian K. Austin2017-08-10 14:49:272017-09-06 10:58:08Children’s Expo & Public Safety Day to be held Saturday, September 16th

CARMEL, NEW YORK – AUGUST 8, 2017 Carmel, N.Y. – The Putnam County District Attorney’s Office has announced the conviction of Anthony Grigoroff for the murder of life- long Garrison resident John Marcinak.

“Once again, a Putnam County Jury heard all the evidence, carefully deliberated, and found Anthony Grigoroff guilty of Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree,” District Attorney Robert Tendy stated. “We can only hope this conviction will bring justice for John and peace to his family and friends who were present throughout the trial.”

The jury comprised of six women and six men listened carefully to the lengthy testimony, analyzed the evidence, weighed the credibility of the witnesses, and reached a unanimous verdict.

District Attorney Tendy is grateful to the current and retired members of the PCSO and State Police who worked closely with his office to insure that the passage of time never hindered a successful prosecution. Tendy who was lead trial attorney also commended the “tireless efforts of his co-counsel Assistant District Attorney Melissa Lynch whose commitment to the Marcinak family and desire to ensure that justice was served remained an unmistakable driving force throughout the trial.” Tendy also thanks DA Investigator Michael Benvie for his tireless efforts during the prosecution of this case.

The Defendant faces a sentence of 25 years to Life on the Murder conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for September 26, 2017. The case was presided over by the Hon. Edward McLoughlin.

http://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dasofficeseal.jpg278273DAhttp://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/logobwlgspring.pngDA2017-08-08 15:36:252017-08-08 15:53:02Anthony Grigoroff Convicted a Second Time by Putnam County Jury

CARMEL, NEW YORK – AUGUST 3, 2017: District Attorney Robert Tendy announced today that two Carmel residents were recently sentenced to State Prison for failure to comply with the terms of their agreement with the Putnam County Treatment Court program. Twenty-three year old Amanda Burdick entered the treatment court program on March 20, 2014 after pleading guilty to three counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, facing potentially 27 years in state prison if unsuccessful in the program. Had she successfully completed the program Burdick had the opportunity to have all her charges dismissed. After absconding from one treatment facility, Burdick rotated though four additional inpatient facilities but was repeatedly discharged for conduct considered dangerous to other participants. Burdick ultimately exhausted all her treatment options, was terminated from the program, and sentenced to a total of 15 years state prison.

Sixty-eight year old Thomas Coviello was terminated from the program and sentenced to 2 1/3 to 7 years state prison. Coviello entered Treatment Court on December 4, 2014 after pleading guilty to one count of Felony Driving While intoxicated and an admission to a violation of probation. On January 10, 2017 Coviello was arrested for Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree, in violation of his agreement which prohibited him from driving.

Tendy commended the sentences imposed by the Honorable James Reitz. “Too many lives are lost to addictions,” Tendy said. “Treatment Court is an opportunity, but if you abuse that opportunity, if you violate the conditions of the program and place other participants at risk, you will go to prison.”

The treatment court program seeks alternative methods for helping drug addicts caught up in the legal system through a rigorous two year program designed to allow participants to avoid prison and become productive members of the community.

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Breanne Smith.

DA TENDY ANNOUNCES THE CONVICTION OF BREWSTER RESIDENT FOR RAPE IN THE SECOND DEGREE

CARMEL, NEW YORK – AUGUST 3, 2017: District Attorney Robert Tendy announced today that 19 year old Christian Manuel Salazar-Miguel was convicted of two counts of Rape in the Second Degree and two counts of Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor. The defendant wooed his underage victims through social media, eventually leading to sexual intercourse.

Tendy indicated that a joint investigation with the Putnam County Sherriff’s office and the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office led to a search warrant on the defendant’s Facebook page and a review of thousands of posts. Exhaustive investigation by Putnam County Sheriff’s investigator Shaun Menton and District Attorney’s Investigator Jaemie Caban resulted in the identification and interview of the young victims, who were only 13 and 14 years old.

As a result of the intensive investigation, the defendant was sentenced to four years in state prison; 10 years post release supervision, and will be required to register as a sex offender. “This case is an unfortunate reminder of how dangerous social media can be and how important it is for parents to monitor their kids’ social media use,” Tendy said. “There are sexual offenders out there grooming our kids to be victims. Education and awareness for the parents and in our schools is vital. This case is another example of why my office will continue to educate our kids while simultaneously prosecuting the offenders. Prevention and prosecution will continue to be my top priority”

Chief Assistant Chana Krauss prosecuted this case and frequently gives talks to students about the dangers of social media. Tendy commented that “ADA Krauss is always available to go to a school and discuss these issues with students, parents, and teachers. Nobody knows more about this problem than she does, and she can be a great resource. School administrators can contact my office at 845-808-1050 if they want to discuss this. Sadly, it is a problem that is not going to go away. Vigilance and education are extremely important.”

http://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dasofficeseal.jpg278273DAhttp://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/logobwlgspring.pngDA2017-08-08 11:32:512017-08-08 11:48:55DA TENDY ANNOUNCES THE CONVICTION OF BREWSTER RESIDENT FOR RAPE IN THE SECOND DEGREE

CARMEL, NEW YORK – JULY 17, 2017 District Attorney Robert V. Tendy announced the conviction of Daniel G. Moloney, Jr., aged 30, of 265 East Lake Boulevard, in the Town of Carmel for the crime of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class D Felony . On September 25, 2016 the Putnam County Sheriff’s office received a complaint that the 14 year old victim had been sexually abused by the defendant in his bedroom.

The victim, who was interviewed at the Child Advocacy center by DA Investigator Jaemie Caban and Investigator Shaun Menton of the PCSO, revealed the defendant, a family friend, brought the victim to his bedroom under the guise they were going to watch TV. Once in the bedroom, the defendant sexually assaulted the victim and threated to use restraining devices if she did not comply. A joint effort between law enforcement and the DA’s Office led to the execution of a search warrant and the recovery of the restraints. Chief Assistant District Attorney Chana Krauss refused to plea bargain the case and he ultimately pled guilty as charged.

The defendant was sentenced on July 12, 2017 before Judge Rooney to the agreed upon sentence of six months in jail, 10 years of sex offender probation, an order of protection and Sex Offender Registration. The defendant waived his right to appeal and the young victim was spared the trauma of testifying.

The victim’s mother, who was in support of the agreed upon plea and grateful for the careful attention the case and her daughter received, submitted a statement to the Court on the day of sentence, “because of your disgusting shameful acts she will never look at life the same and she’s just a child whose life barely began”.

DA Tendy stated “I want the message to be clear; we will fight tooth and nail to protect our children, if you harm a child here in Putnam County, you will be found, prosecuted and held accountable by the most aggressive team. This case was investigated prosecuted swiftly and effectively as a joint effort between the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the DA’s Office.”

http://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dasofficeseal.jpg278273DAhttp://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/logobwlgspring.pngDA2017-08-08 11:12:362017-08-08 11:15:55Carmel Man Convicted of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the County Executive of the County of Putnam at Room 300 of the County Office Building, 40 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, New York 10512 on the 23rd day of August at 3:30 P.M. and again at 6:30 P.M. concerning:

A LOCAL LAW

Amending Section 2.04 of the Putnam County Charter Entitled “Powers and Duties” of the Legislature, which was adopted by the Putnam County Legislature on August 1, 2017 by Resolution R#171.

This Local Law
Amends Section 2.04(r) of the Putnam County Charter by adding the power to appoint, or consent to be appointed, by resolution duly adopted, a mediator or arbitrator in any collective bargaining labor dispute or negotiation involving the County as an employer to the list of powers and duties of the Legislature.

Copies of the Local Law are available at the Office of the Putnam County Legislature, Room 313, 40 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, New York 10512.

At the aforesaid time and place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof will be heard concerning same. Comments will also be accepted via regular mail submitted to the above referenced address, electronic mail to maryellen.odell@putnamcountyny.gov, and facsimile to (845)808-1901.

This Local Law shall take forty-five (45) days from the date of its passage and is subject to permissive referendum.

http://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/bicentennialseal1small.png600602Brian K. Austinhttp://www.putnamcountyny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/logobwlgspring.pngBrian K. Austin2017-08-08 09:00:112017-08-08 09:00:11Notice of Public Hearing August 23rd Amending Section 2.04 of the Putnam County Charter Entitled “Powers and Duties” of the Legislature, which was adopted by the Putnam County Legislature on August 1, 2017 by Resolution R#171.